Dominican Republic rehabilitation center deaths

Recent deaths at rehabilitation centers in the Dominican Republic have prompted allegations of abuse and negligence, raising concerns regarding the oversight of addiction treatment facilities.

In July, 42-year-old Luis René Contreras Martínez died at the ‘El Rescatador’ center in Boca de Yuma. While a preliminary police report suggested the fatal head injury resulted from a fall, family members allege physical abuse, including neck compression and blows to the genital area. The facility was reportedly operating without a health-ministerial license at the time of the incident.

In August, 25-year-old José Franco Guerrero died of respiratory arrest following a six-month stay at the Fundación Evangélica Ejército de Dios Rescatando al Caído in La Romana. His family alleges that his health deteriorated due to a lack of food and that funds intended for a blood transfusion were instead diverted to cover his stay. These incidents have highlighted broader issues regarding the treatment of individuals with mental health and addiction issues in the country.